Tens of thousands of three-year-olds are missing out on free early education, according to new research that comes amid growing concerns over local authorities’ capacity to deliver expanded free childcare provision.
The report by the Family and Childcare Trust claims that more than 41,000 three-year-olds are being denied the free childcare to which they are entitled, as growing numbers of local authorities struggle to provide funded places.
In England, the number reporting a shortage of free places for three- and four-year-olds has more than doubled, rising from 23 last year to 59 in 2016, according to the research. This is particularly concerning, the trust argues, because this comes before government plans to expand the offer have even been piloted.
Julia Margo, chief executive of the Family and Childcare Trust, said: “Extra free childcare is of no use to working parents if they can’t find a place for their child. To make childcare really work for parents, we want to see the right to an early education place brought in line with the right to a school place.”
Under current childcare arrangements, there is a universal offer of 15 hours of free care to all parents of three- and four-year-olds and 40% of the most deprived two-year-olds. David Cameron’s promise to double this to 30 hours, with pilots beginning in September this year, was a key election pledge.
Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, added: “This is a problem that will only worsen with the roll-out of the 30-hour scheme – many providers have warned that they simply will not be able to deliver the extended scheme, not only due to lack of funding, but also a lack of available places.
“As such, while we welcome the recent promise of increased investment into the sector, the problem of insufficient capacity is one that the government simply cannot continue to dismiss.”
The Family and Childcare Trust’s annual childcare survey also raises concerns about the continuing decline in the number of childminders which is also likely to impact on the 30-hour offer.
The survey compares the number of childminders per 1,000 children under five in different areas of the country and finds huge differences between regions – with four childminders per 1,000 in Hull compared to 24 per 1,000 in Bromley.
Leitch said: “Childminders are a vital source of quality, flexible childcare and will be integral to the success of the 30-hour scheme; and yet, a continued lack of support – both financial and practical – has meant that they are continuing to leave the sector in droves.
“Rather than wasting time and resources on its failed childminder agency policy, the government should look to start engaging properly with childminders, and recognising the pivotal role they play in the provision of quality care and education .”
Among other findings the survey also reveals a sharp drop in the numbers of English local authorities who say they have enough after-school childcare – only 9%, compared with 28% five years ago. Only 15% of councils in England reported they had enough childcare for disabled children, compared with 21% in 2014.
The report, which gathered responses from just under 200 local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland, also looks into childcare costs and found that average prices rose just above inflation throughout Britain for the first time in eight years.
A part-time nursery place (25 hours) for a child under two rose by 1% last year, and is now £116.77 a week on average in Britain. In London, the most expensive region, prices for the same place rose by 2.2% to £158.73 on average.
According to government figures, around 650,000 three-year-olds and 675,000 four-year-olds currently receive funded early education. The education and childcare minister, Sam Gyimah, said: “This report shows there is record support available. For the first time in a decade costs are stabilising and there are rising numbers of places on offer
“Latest figures show 7,000 more providers are offering the universal 15 hours offer with 1.3 million children – the vast majority taking it up. Rising numbers of disadvantaged two-year-olds are also benefiting.”
Gyimah said there had been huge levels of interest in early pilot schemes for the extended childcare provision, with nearly 100 local authorities and 1,700 providers asking to take part. “Thanks to record investment by this government – £6bn a year by 2020 – and with our plan to double the free childcare offer for working parents we expect take-up numbers to rise.”
Jenny Chapman, Labour’s minister for childcare and early years, said: “The Tories’ childcare plans are in disarray with the vast majority of areas now facing a shortage of places for three and four-year-olds and a funding shortfall of half a billion.
“This lack of childcare places is continuing to drive up costs for parents, with families in some parts of the country now faced with paying over £150 a week for a part-time nursery place.
“Without a doubt, the Tories’ pre-election rhetoric on childcare has failed to match reality and it is children, parents and our economy that will pay the price.”
Source:Thousands miss out on free childcare as local authorities struggle to fund places